in obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

"obscure" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a descriptive adjective that means "not easily seen, known, or understood; unclear; vague." For example, "The identity of the murderer remains obscure to this day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Scholars will be grateful for Parker's skill in filling in obscure chapters in Melville's writing life.

The New York Times - Books

Not the unseen as in obscure or metaphysical, but the hidden essence of what all people share in common.

Huffington Post

She giggled in obscure delight.

The New Yorker

Increasingly it is ending up in obscure and unregulated corners.

The Economist

They're more likely to start in obscure places like Selma.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hagee didn't make that claim in obscure circumstances, either.

The New York Times

His father was ejected, dying in obscure retirement.

The Guardian

Skyscrapers blossomed by the hundreds in obscure cities.

The New York Times

Got that, specialists in obscure words, unnecessary convolutions, useless subtleties?

The Guardian - Opinion

Studying in Prague, he discovered Janacek's operas, then found only in obscure, half-forgotten scores.

The Economist

Even now, much of Davis's writing has its first life in obscure literary magazines.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in obscure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not well-known or easily understood. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context or examples.

Common error

Avoid using "in obscure" to describe something that is simply complex. "Obscure" implies a lack of clarity or hidden nature, not just difficulty in understanding. For complex topics, phrases like "complex" or "intricate" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in obscure" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, adding detail about the location, condition, or manner. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this prepositional phrase provides context regarding the subject being described, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in obscure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote that something is not easily known, understood, or visible. Predominantly found in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts, its usage leans towards neutral and formal registers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in your writing by providing ample context to avoid any ambiguity. Remember that while "obscure" indicates a hidden or unclear nature, it shouldn't be used to describe something that is simply complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in unclear

Replaces "obscure" with "unclear", focusing on the lack of clarity.

in vague

Substitutes "obscure" with "vague", highlighting the lack of definition.

in hidden

Replaces "obscure" with "hidden", emphasizing the aspect of being concealed.

in little-known

Uses "little-known" instead of "obscure", focusing on the lack of awareness.

in remote

Emphasizes the isolated and distant nature, instead of the lack of clarity.

in unnoticeable

Focuses on something that does not attract attention.

in ambiguous

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of clear meaning.

in unexplained

Focuses on the lack of reasons or clarification.

in undefined

Emphasizes the absence of specific limits or definition.

in concealed

Emphasizes something deliberately kept out of sight.

FAQs

How can I use "in obscure" in a sentence?

You can use "in obscure" to describe something that is not well-known, hidden, or difficult to understand. For example, "The details of his early life remain "in obscure" places".

What words are similar to "in obscure"?

Similar phrases include "in unclear", "in vague", or "in hidden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in obscure details"?

Yes, "in obscure details" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe details that are not easily accessible or understood.

What is the difference between "in obscure" and "unknown"?

"In obscure" suggests something is hidden or not easily found, while "unknown" simply means not known. Something "in obscure" is harder to discover than something merely unknown.